I am sitting here waiting for a conference call to start. Because I can't just sit for any length of time -- you should see the ever-changing book stack in the bathroom -- I have also been flipping through Phil Rosenthal's book ''You're Lucky You're Funny: How Life Becomes a Sitcom.'' Good book, no matter where you read it.

Rosenthal is, as the book's cover points out, creator and executive producer of ''Everybody Loves Raymond,'' which was based not only on Ray Romano's life but on those of Rosenthal and the other writers. That should tell you he is funny. The book is also conversational -- including swearing -- and extremely informative about what it's like to write for television. Highly recommended. The book is from Viking, lists for $25.95 and is due in stores on Oct. 23.